Fighting crime means not only locking criminals up but also protecting citizens and responding compassionately to their needs. Our homes and neighborhoods should be free from crime, free from fear and free from terror.

We must work together to restore to families across Tennessee a sense of security and control over their own lives. Crime is an issue that tops the lists of most Tennesseans’ concerns, and folks have a right to feel safe on the street and in their homes. One way we can help is by providing our local police officers with the resources necessary to serve and protect. Last year, I secured $3 million for the Chattanooga Police Department to help other area police departments fight neighborhood crime.

This money will help CPD obtain computers to allow the sharing of crime data among different police agencies, the court system and jails. When police are trying to catch criminal offenders or prevent crime, time is very often critical.

We need to teach respect for the law and each other. Only then can we do what needs to be done to restore a sense of real security for families across the country.